Imams and Ulama are often expected to provide counsel to their congregation. This expectation has heightened in unprecedented ways, which increases the already significant pressure on Imams and Ulama, which can lead to burnout. Imams and Ulama are having to provide religious verdicts on matters which could lead to death in the worst-case scenario. There has been heated debate on topics such as mosque closures and fulfilling requirements of ghusl for the deceased. Also, the sheer number of deaths will mean that services such as leading funeral prayers, arbitrating inheritance and pastoral support must be maintained alongside regular community engagement. This is an extremely stressful situation, and as Imams and Ulama, the BBSI are fully able to relate to this burden. 

To help manage emotions and mental health, it is important to: 

• Maintain your work-life balance (see Section 2.1.1 Work-life balance for more). This could take the form of having ‘available hours’ during which congregants can contact you. Coordinate with other local ulama and split into shifts, so that as much of the day is covered as possible. 
• You may need to provide advice and counsel in urgent cases (i.e. death). If possible, keep a separate phone number or email address specifically for death and funeral enquires.
• Engage in self-care. This includes giving yourself time for your own spiritual practices. Self-care is essential in enabling you to continue your essential work.
• Speak to a trusted confidant or mentor. Studies show that regular contact with peers and mentors are associated with lower emotional exhaustion.
• Understand your professional limits. The current crisis is centred around health. Unless you have explicit training in relevant field(s), refer your congregants to other professionals or guidance documents. 
• Consider any impacts on your family as a result of your work. Reach out to relevant services for help, such as counsellors or therapists. There are a list of Islamic therapists and counsellors in ‘Appendix B – Mental health resources’. 
• Remember your accountability is foremost to Allah. Very often, congregants place unreasonable expectations on Imams and Ulama, which can be damaging. In some cases, when these expectations are not met, congregants may deride their Imams and Ulama. This is wrong. Indeed, Imams and Ulama serve the people, and as long as you are doing your best in this regard, there is no reason to accept or tolerate any kind of abuse. You do not need to feel bad if anyone treats you in this way; it is not a reflection of your performance.
• The BBSI have provided comprehensive guidance on burial and funerary rights. If you are at all unsure, please refer to our guidance. It has been meticulously put together by a variety of scholars.